Hi to you all!

A sample board can be a really helpful tool to help you with your Downsize.

I am referring to a board which shows samples of all the finishes that will end up in the new space. This is not to be confused with a Mood Board or Concept Board which is more of a visual wish list of the kind of space you would like to create. These are really useful as well but will be the subject of an other post!

A sample board shows you  at a glance the exact colours and finishes you are working with. Ideally the pieces should be in approximate proportion to the way they appear in the space. The main wall paint colour will be big, as will the flooring finish, carpet or timber or tile. The dominant furniture finish next, then curtain fabric, blinds etc…, next the main upholstery fabric, then finally the highlight colour or small pops of colour you would like to feature.

Having them in the proportions they appear in the space helps to avoid confusion. It is really easy to forget that the floor  tiles which will dominate a colour scheme if your pop of colour sample is the biggest thing on the board.

http://generva.com/h/12669/retail-spa-green/12660/

For example, it is really hard to see what the dominant colours of this room will be.

For help working out what proportions colour should appear in in a space, one of the best rules I have found is the 60/30/10 rule. HERE is a great article about how it works. Or have a look at my Pinterest Board for more information HERE

Boards consisting of real samples are the most useful. Paint samples can be picked up at any hardware store. Carpet shops will lend you carpet samples- if you can’t cut it up the take good photos from above and get them printed off and use that. Tile shops are usually happy to give out tiles and fabric suppliers generally send you fabric swatches, sometimes they ask for a small fee. Find pictures on the internet if you can’t get the real thing and print them out.

Try not to make it too big, A3 works well if you can fit everything on, or use 2 A3 sheets joined. This just makes it easy to carry around with you when you have to go shopping or visit the new home site to talk to tradesmen. Having all the finishes together will help other people give you better advice as well!

If you can’t get hold of the real samples, then there are some online resources available to create virtual sample boards, have a look at this one HERE

Along with the sample board, keep a file or folder with all the other information, such as plans, brochures and price lists.

Having a sample board will empower you to make more informed and confident decisions when you are organising your Downsize.

If you would like a bit more help, please get in touch with me HERE

Bye for now x